This is my own take on world, national, state, AND local events. It may seem scatter-brained for me to talk about Iraq, gay rights issues, and the state of the Democratic Party in Central Orange County all in the same week... But I like to think of it as an eclectic mix of various important issues.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

BREAKING: CSU Union OKs Strike

Members of the union that represents faculty at the 23 campuses of the California State University system have voted to strike, potentially creating disruptions at campuses around the state, including Fullerton and Long Beach.

"We do not want to strike, but we will," John Travis, president of the California Faculty Association, said at a news conference this morning at Cal State Dominguez Hills announcing that 94 percent of union members who voted agreed to the job action. "We are a faculty that is fed up and we are a faculty that is ready to walk off the job."

Union officials said they plan to hold two-day strikes to minimize disruptions to student classes, to take place in April and May.

Faculty members are unhappy that they've been unable to reach a new contract agreement with the CSU system since the previous contract expired in 2005. They also are displeased with their pay structure and heavier workloads.

So it looks like the faculty will be marching after all... Though in two-day shifts that are aimed to minimize any negative impact on the students and their education. And though CSU can afford to pay its faculty better, it doesn't look like the Chancellor and administration are interested in treating the faculty with the respect that they deserve. Let's just hope that this wakes up the state, and that CSU starts treating its staff with more respect.

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About Me

I am a student, an activist, and a blogger. I enjoy good books (e.g. Atwood, Eco, Morrison), great music (anything from Celia Cruz to the Grateful Dead), and new adventures. When I am not studying or enjoying other aspects of my life, I am also a hard-core progressive Democrat. I do my best to support great candidates and push forward great ideas.